Page 6 - E-News_October November 2017_FINAL-CM

Oral Care Strategies for the IDD Community
By Marcia Burrell-Odeyemi, RN
In order to achieve and maintain good oral health, persons with
mild to profound Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
(IDD) often require a special approach to dental care. Adults
with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities are noted to
have an increased risk of developing periodontal disease due to
various health, physical and behavioral concerns. Persons with
IDD are often dependent on caregivers to provide and/or assist
with dental care, in order for them to achieve and maintain
good oral Health.
Health conditions relating to poor oral health include the fol-
lowing:
 Diabetes - Research shows that there is an increased preva-
lence of gum disease among persons with Diabetes. People
with Diabetes are at an increased risk for serious gum dis-
ease because they are generally more susceptible to bacte-
rial infection and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria
that invade the gums.
 Lung Conditions - Poor oral health may increase the risk of
Aspiration Pneumonia; inhaling bacteria present in the
mouth into the Lungs is noted to have caused respiratory
Infections or cause other Lung conditions to get worse.
 Cardiovascular Disease - It has been reported that heart
disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to Oral
Bacteria; this is possible due in part to Inflammation from
Periodontitis which is a severe form of gum disease. Bacte-
ria from the mouth enters the bloodstream through the
gums, clumps together in the arteries and forms the fatty
Marcia Burrell-Odeyemi, RN has been the Director of Nursing at EPIC for 17 years; prior to be-
coming the D.O.N. Marcia Supported EPIC’s Residential Individuals as a Direct Support Profes-
sional for 5 years. Marcia, along with her Nursing Team provide Premier Health-management and
Coordinated Healthcare Services in order to Promote, Protect and Preserve the Health and Safety
of EPIC’s Individuals.
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plaques in the bloodstream, possibly contributing to block-
ages.
 Seizure Disorder - Many seizure drugs such as Dilantin have
been noted to cause extensive gum disease. Therefore addi-
tional dental care is needed for those person’s on seizure
medications.
You can save an Individual’s life by ensuring proper dental
care, so at EPIC we encourage our staff and caregivers to do
the following:
 Make sure that individuals are brushing and flossing two
times daily (Morning and before Bed)
 Use Fluoride toothpaste to brush all sides and surfaces of
the teeth, including the tongue and roof of the mouth
 Teach persons who are able to learn the task of dental care,
to perform his/her own dental care
 Use tooth-brushes with soft flexible bristles and change
them at least once every two months
 Ensure that all liquids and toothpaste is spat out or swiped
out of the person’s mouth after brushing, as swallowing this
substance is not safe
 Limit sugary foods and drinks
 Report bleeding gums, swelling, redness and complaint of
toothache to a healthcare provider in a timely manner
 Provide encouragement and reassurance to the Individuals
during dental care, talk to him or her and explain what you
are going to do before you do it